In-form striker Billy Payner stunned Latics with a two-goal blast at the end of the opening half at the County Ground.

Latics had looked set to finish the first half goalless when disaster struck in the dying minutes as the Robins took control of a game in which they had been second best.

Paynter broke the deadlock in the 44th minute producing a neat turn on the edge of the box before unleashing a terrific shot which arrowed into the top corner of the net.

Worse was to following in stoppage time when Joe Jacobson shoved Charlie Austin off the ball in the box and Paynter stepped forward to score from the spot, his 19th goalof the season.

It was cruel on Latics who had more than matched Swindon and any neutral observer would have thought they were the promotion-chasing team.

They carved out a succession of chances and all that was lacking was a cutting edge in front of goal.

Reuben Hazell connected with a Dale Stephens corner, but could not direct his header on target.

Pawel Abbott had a couple of decent attempts at goal, the second an overhead kick which flew narrowly wide.

Jason Price and Dale Stephens both shot over from good positions as Latics took the game to Swindon without any tangible reward for their efforts.

Half-time: Swindon 2, Latics 0.